Renal Failure, Chronic (Kidney Failure)

Description

Kidneys are essential to maintain the fluid balance in the body and control the body's chemistry. Kidney failure leads to a build up of fluid and an increase in waste products in the blood stream. One serious side effect is an elevation in the body's potassium level which can lead to life threatening heart arrhythmias and death. There are many causes of this disorder with diabetes and high blood pressure being the most common. Unfortunately symptoms are usually not experienced until over 90% of the kidney function has been lost. This is why it is important for patients with high blood pressure and diabetes to have frequent medical check ups.

Symptoms

Fatigue, general ill feeling, generalized itching (pruritus), headache, nausea, vomiting, unintentional weight loss, blood in the vomit or in stools, decreased alertness, confusion, delirium, coma, decreased sensation in the hands and feet, easy bruising or bleeding, increased or decreased urine output, muscle twitching or cramps, seizures.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to identify and monitor the kidney failure will be done. A renal ultrasound is frequently performed.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to control symptoms, reduce complications, and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment options include dietary and fluid restrictions, diuretics (water pills), blood transfusions, and/or dialysis. Diseases that cause the chronic kidney failure must be controlled and treated as appropriate. Some patients may be candidates for kidney transplantation. For additional information contact the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse at: http://www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov or call (800)891-5390.

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